Cinema 123 by Angelika Closes After 60 Years on the Upper East Side

After more than six decades of being a beloved theater on the Upper East Side, Cinema 123 by Angelika has finally closed its doors. The news comes as no surprise to many, as the theater's owner, Reading International, announced in September that it would sell the property for $41 million. This closure follows the earlier announcement that another AMC theater in Kips Bay would close by the end of the year.

Located on Third Avenue between East 59th and East 60th Streets, Cinema 123 by Angelika debuted as Cinema I and Cinema II in 1962, becoming the first twin-screen cinema in the United States. It later expanded to three screens in the 1980s and was acquired by Reading International last year as the full owner. The theater’s closure is a significant loss for moviegoers in the area and may signal further changes to the neighborhood's cultural landscape.

Residents and officials have already rallied to save the AMC theater in Kips Bay, but the fate of Cinema 123 by Angelika remains uncertain. For expats and digital nomads looking for a cinema experience in the Upper East Side, alternative options like the Angelika Film Center in Greenwich Village or the East Village's AMC Empire 25 are still available, though they may not offer the same nostalgic charm.